In addition to the Discretionary Business Grant Scheme, the Council also operated an Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) to support those businesses and charities whose material income had reduced and who were not eligible for other Government support e.g. self-employed support.  The ARG had a total fund of £2.7m, to date £1.9m had been spent with 371 businesses receiving help and support.

The current grant initially covered the period 19 December 2020 (when Rother entered tier 4) to 15 February 2021; a total of 59 days.  If either national lockdown or tier 4 restrictions applied after 15 February 2021, the ARG would be extended and the award amounts amended accordingly.  The report set out the existing grant categories/sectors and amounts awarded to date.  Thanks were extended to the Assistant Director Resources and the Revenue and Benefits Manager who administered the scheme and ensured that claimants received the money. 

Following consultation with Members, it was proposed to broaden the ARG scheme to include additional sectors namely Rother based charities with significantly reduced income (50% or more – not charity shops); and small or micro businesses still able to trade but significantly reduced income (50% or more).  It was not proposed that financial support be given to larger businesses, however the Council could use some of the grant funding to support failing local employers.  The value of the grants would be in line with the current scheme.  New businesses established during the period of the pandemic would not be supported as they would need to demonstrate it was a viable business.  It was not proposed to extend the scheme to predominately home-based businesses not included in the above sectors or to the self-employed who were already in receipt of Government support.  

Cabinet approved the revised ARG and agreed that delegated authority be given to the Chief Executive in consultation with the Cabinet Portfolio Holders for Finance and Performance Management and Economic Development and Regeneration to determine the grant amounts and detailed criteria.

RESOLVED:  That:

1)    the additional eligible business sectors outlined in the report be included in the Council’s Additional Restrictions Grant scheme; and

2)    the Chief Executive be granted delegated authority in consultation with the Cabinet Portfolio Holders for Finance and Performance Management and Economic Development and Regeneration to determine the amounts of grants and detailed criteria.